Bahamas: 15 Things You Didn’t Know (Part 1)

The Bahamas is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Americas due to its turquoise-colored waters and sublime weather. Take a look at our list of 15 things you didn’t know about the breathtaking country, and stay tuned for part two, coming soon!

Number Fifteen: It’s Made up of Over 700 Islands

The Bahamas consists of 700 different islands scattered across 100,000 square miles. Many of these islands are uninhabited.

Number Fourteen: It’s Not Located in the Caribbean

Contrary to popular belief, the Bahamas is not a Caribbean country—it’s entirely located in the Atlantic Ocean. However, it does look and feel Caribbean: crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, tropical weather and gentle trade winds.

Number Thirteen: New Providence Is Not the Largest Island

New Providence is the country’s most populated and most visited island, and it houses the Bahamas’ capital city, Nassau. Nonetheless, it’s sixteen times smaller than North Andros, the largest island in the country: 3,493 km (2,170 miles) against New Providence’s 207 km (128 miles).

Number Twelve: It’s Just 50 Miles from the U.S.

The Bahamas are located a mere 50 miles off the coast of Florida—that’s roughly the distance from Miami to Boca Raton. Its proximity to the United States makes it a popular resort destination for North American holiday makers.

Number Eleven: Outstanding Pink Sand Beaches

Harbour Island’s colorful pale pink sand beach is one few pink beaches in the world. Its dramatic landscape is a popular backdrop choice for professional model shootings and advertising campaigns. Sports Illustrated shot their 2006 Swimsuit Issue on this location.

Number Ten: The Bahamas Have Underwater Caves

The Bahamas’ spectacular cave system is a result of thousands of years of erosion during the glacial period, in which water levels were much lower than they are today. Lots of underwater documentaries have been filmed here. The system is located in the Lucayan National Park, on Grand Bahama Island.

Number Nine: Its Name Has a Spanish Origin

It is believed that the name for “Bahamas” has a Spanish origin. Christopher Columbus’ first contact with the New World was in the Bahamas. Due to the low tide of the ocean here, unusual in European waters, the Spaniards renamed the country “Baja Mar”, which translates to “low sea”. Another theory claims the name comes from Taino “ba ha ma” (“big upper middle land”).

Number Eight: World’s Deepest Blue Hole

A blue hole is a very rare big sinkhole that usually runs deep into the water. At 202 m (663 ft) deep and 30 m (90 ft) wide, Dean’s Blue Hole, on Bahamas’ Long Island, is the deepest and most impressive example. The hole is a popular destination for free diving and snorkeling aficionados. Stay tuned for part two, coming soon!

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